2014-2015

An amazing opportunity considering my not so well executed secondary school days - Phoebe Parry

I decided at the beginning of 2013 that I wanted to pursue my dream in midwifery; with a full time job that I needed to keep for financial reasons, DistanceLearningCentre.com offered me an amazing opportunity.

With a non-pressured financial plan put into place I started my Access to Midwifery course in December 2013 and needed to moderate in 10 months. At first I thought it was impossible but with the incredible support and occasional push in the right direction by my guardian angels (my two tutors), I finished with two days to spare! The course was at times a little challenging and you have days where you feel like giving up, but once you take a deep breath and speak to your tutors you find yourself breezing through units that you once upon a time may have winced at the thought of!

It is important to stay motivated and think of your end goal; completing a course with DistanceLearningCentre.com was the best thing I have ever done. I have learnt things that I never thought possible considering my not so well executed secondary school days. I am now striving to start university in March 2015 and without DistanceLearningCentre.com I would never have been able to do so. I would recommend them to anybody, especially if you have personal commitments and no option to study full time. It has opened up the doors to my future, I cannot thank you all enough! (Nov 14)

I have severe dyslexia and dyspraxia, reading and writing have always been very difficult for me - Jade Nicholas

Fab5 Award Nominee

DistanceLearningCentre.com gave me a lifeline to achieving my goals at a time when I thought I would have to settle for a career that did not involve going to university. I have severe dyslexia and dyspraxia and reading and writing have always been very difficult for me. I did a level 3 course at college and as I did not receive the support I needed I did not get the grades necessary to meet the university entrance requirements. I was already enrolled for the following year in courses to redo my Maths and English G.C.S.E as well as taking on part time jobs in a Pre-School in the mornings and a local school working in the afternoons in the after school club. I was also volunteering at the school once a week in the Reception class to increase my knowledge and experience of what teaching was about. When I found out my grades were not high enough from my level 3, I was initially devastated as I did not have the time to enroll in another course.

When I found DistanceLearningCentre.com I was so excited as I could do the course around my existing commitments and I still had the chance to achieve my goals. I did struggle at times with the workload but the tutors were very supportive and understanding by giving me extensions when necessary. I was worried about the written exams I would have to do but again the tutors were very helpful and let me do the exams orally to them while they wrote down my answers. The DistanceLearningCentre.com has helped me on my way to achieving my goal of becoming a teacher and I have been accepted at University to study a degree in Teaching, Learning and Child Development. (Nov 14)

Made it possible to realise my potential and gave me the confidence to focus on achieving a goal - Sam Skinner

Fab5 Award Nominee

Having left college with some less than average A level results in subjects I had no desire to pursue, I never thought at the age of 26 I would be able to find the time to study let alone remember anything I was taught at school over 11 years prior. Working full time and being out of the country for more than 3 weeks a month, I knew that college would not be viable and quite simply I could not afford to give up work. That's when I found DistanceLearningCentre.com and knew it would be the perfect solution.

Being a mature student can be daunting, but Studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com made it possible to realise my potential and gave me the confidence to focus on achieving a goal I did not think was reachable, or viable given my work life balance. Whilst the tutors were informative, they were also just a phone call or email away, guiding me in the right direction and giving me the confidence to complete each module. If a particular subject was harder and taking longer to complete, the tutors would keep me motivated and you could tell they had your best interests at heart.

Although the course is not easy, and the level 3 modules can be quite intimidating, there is always someone on hand to help. Whether on the student forum or via your tutor.

There's no hiding from the fact that this course does require a lot of discipline and self motivation but I managed to complete it with a lot of jet lag, support and determination. If you put in the work you will be overwhelmed and amazed with the results you can achieve.

Thank you to all of the tutors who supported me, and answered my emails promptly. I highly recommend studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com. (Nov 14)

I found the tutors extremely supportive and the course is very well structured - Gemma Jepson

Fab5 Award Nominee

I wanted to become a midwife whilst pregnant with my eldest child 9 years ago. I promised myself that I would start my journey when my children started school. As they started school my husband left the armed forces and there just never seemed to be a 'right' time, until I discovered DistanceLearningCentre.com. It was the perfect opportunity to take the plunge and start my journey to becoming a midwife.

I was a little worried about being able to achieve the grades I needed as I was a mature student in full time employment with a young family, but it is achievable as you are able to study in your own time. I enrolled with determination and self-motivation, I completed in time for the November 2014 moderation with mostly distinctions.

I would highly recommend DistanceLearningCentre.com. I found the tutors extremely supportive and as the course is very well structured, I found it easy to follow and achieve the grades I needed. Completing this course is a massive achievement and has definitely prepared me for studying a degree in Midwifery at university in September. (Nov 14)

The extraordinary lengths they went to nurture and encourage me was most appreciated - Olawale Alade

I was tired hopping from one job to the other, I wanted professional credentials. My quest for a University Education to support this goal appeared to have eluded me when I failed to get admission having applied twice through UCAS. DistanceLearningCentre.com was first mentioned whilst sitting with an Admissions Officer at Kings College. She had appraised the degree I obtained eighteen years ago as unsuitable for admission due to it being more than ten years old. She recommended an Access Course, and being a full time worker, that DistanceLearningCentre.com would be best suited to my needs.

Immediately I enrolled, and although I burned with enthusiasm, it was challenging at first. I was however resolute. I retained my shift patterns, working Early Late and Night shifts, and managed to study at every opportunity I had. The support offered by my tutors and the extraordinary lengths they went to nurture and encourage me was most appreciated. I have identified my natural talents and resourcefulness in the helping profession and didn't want to miss out on the enrolment for the 2014 Nursing Program. I am really glad I made it eventually.

Whilst completing my UCAS application in January, I doubted my ability to complete the course early enough and indicated in three of my choices a preference for deferred admission. Early in April, I travelled to Nigeria to attend my brother's wedding where I played the role of father figure. I missed three solid weeks, and on return I felt it would be difficult to achieve my targets. Kingston University however offered me admission with just nine credits to finish. I am very thankful to all my tutors. They supported and encouraged me when things got tough and the going was rough. DistanceLearningCentre.com has given me a unique opportunity and has made my dream possible. I will recommend them to anyone who might be put off by the thought of full time study whilst holding down a job. It is refreshingly invigorating and empowering getting the support tutors on the program can offer. (Nov 14)

Fab5 Award Nominee

When I started working as HCA in August 2012, I quickly realised being in the Mental Health field offers me the unique privilege of using my therapeutic skills to support in a way that I have always wanted. However, having a degree in Guidance and Counselling which I obtained 18 years ago, I knew I needed to achieve qualified Mental Health Nurse status to fully enjoy my work. I quickly set about exploring avenue to enrol for a degree course. It was with disappointment I learnt that my previous degree, being over ten years old, would mean I needed to take Access to Higher Education Course.

I actually thought it was something I could breeze through but half way through my GCSE (Science & Maths) equivalent I was discouraged. Managing a family and coping with full time shift work was not an ideal combination I anticipated it would be. It was a challenging and difficult time for me. The supports and help that the tutors offered me, and in particular, the extra mile tutors offered, was most valuable. At some point, I decided I would have to defer my admission till 2015, but the tutors egged me on. The tutors positive attitude and encouragement they offered, which was genuine and in abundance, gave me renewed hope that I could complete enough credits to meet admission criteria. Without the support of DistanceLearningCentre.com, I would not be at University now. I am so thankful for all the supports given to me and I highly recommend them to anyone who, in spite of their busy schedule, still nurse an ambition of pursing a course of their dreams at University level. It is not too late as you might think and an excellent group of tutors are waiting to offer you a unique experience. (July 15)